Our Animals

We received a message from one of our sister rescues about a newborn goat who was paralyzed from the neck down. They mentioned that a woman in Pennsylvania found him frozen to the ground, unable to move. The farmer attempted to stick him in the oven to warm him up. Yikes. After we picked him up, we took him straight to the hospital where he remained for a full month. Not only did he survive, but he ended up having a full recovery. These days, Toast is seen bouncing around in our big goat pasture with his adopted siblings.

A couple of local farmers have our phone number just in case they end up with an orphaned, injured or sick animal that they will not spend the time or money on to rehabilitate. There was a chill in the air when we received the call about Dean. It was a farmer right down the street from us. He said that he had a rejected newborn goat in need of care. We did not hesitate to pick this little guy up. He ended up proving to be a very strong baby! Dean is now known as “Hollywood Dean” due to his all-star attitude and over the top personality.

Buck was being sold at a produce stand outside of a livestock auction for one single dollar. After thinking about it very briefly, we decided to take him home and give him the royal life he deserves as a barn cat! Buck is always seen following someone around the farm.

Alba was rescued from a laboratory after being burn tested on for weeks on end. We agreed to take her in immediately. She still has scars going all the way down her back. You would never know the torture that she has endured due to her loving nature and very gentle personality. Alba’s favorite activity is sunbathing and receiving belly scratches.

Sometimes, we have to make very last minute decisions. While one of our sister rescues was out on a call, they noticed a teenaged goat running around the farm and dragging her back legs. After inquiring about her, the farmer responded by mentioning that she was useless since she could not handle pregnancy – hence the reason why her hind quarters were weak. Our sister rescue called us to ask if we would take her and we said yes. After a false pregnancy, multiple knocked over wheelbarrows filled with manure, and countless other antics, Susan is known as the “farm clown” and makes us laugh nonstop.

Our resident poodle dinosaur! Krankor was being sold at a 4th of July parade for spare change. We could not sit back and allow her and her siblings to have an unknown fate, potentially ending up in an uneducated home or being released into the woods once they grew into adult chickens. Years later, Krankor is a staple here! Her quirky personality and looks get her a lot of attention.

Every movie has to have a villain, right? We sure have ours! Sherman was surrendered to us by a local family. They planned on having him butchered that very same week but had a last minute change of heart – which we are all grateful for. Within the first few minutes, we knew he was going to be a handful. His previous owners basically unloaded him from their truck and sped off without a goodbye! Sherman immediately began attacking every single human in his way and has not stopped since. He is definitely a favorite amongst our loyal supporters – who have not met him yet.

Aquaberry Nugget was brought to us by a Philadelphia resident who saw him and his siblings being displayed outside of a bar for Easter. He was dyed bright blue. His brothers and sisters were also dyed various different colors. He is a great example as to why we are very much against the exploitation of all animals. Aquaberry Nugget is usually seen protecting all of his hens with much pride. He is a wonderful rooster!

Esmerelda was surrendered by her human mother and father due to their neighbors complaining about noise. Unfortunately, they lived in a small apartment in the city and every time she laid an egg, she would get very loud. Esmerelda now gets to enjoy the finer farm life – as every chicken should!

Cecil was being sent to auction by the parents of the young girl who raised him. They could no longer afford to feed most of their animals through winter and were forced to downsize. She was devastated to have to give up her best friend and even more distraught over the fact that he was most likely going to be slaughtered for meat – considering he was massive and neutered. A friend of the family ended up being the one who was asked to take Cecil to auction, which is how we ended up saving his life. The young girl was told that her best friend was sent to live a long and happy life at our sanctuary instead of going to auction and she cried tears of joy.

Paris was tagged for Thanksgiving dinner when we begged a farmer to spare his life. It took quite a bit on our end but he finally agreed after stating that he usually never allows turkeys to leave his property alive. Paris is such an enchanting gentleman. He is always side by side with his lady, France, who was saved the same day as him.

We had been searching everywhere to adopt a Great Pyrenees pup to live amongst the sheep and goats with no luck. Eventually, the word got out and we made contact with a couple down south who wanted to donate one of their puppies to our mission. Michael is the epitome of what a big brother and protector should be. He spends his days enjoying the company of his farm siblings and his nights keeping predators far, far away with his magnificent bark. He is a true gentle giant.

Chewie was ripped from her mother within hours of being born and tossed onto a truck – only to be unloaded into a barn filled with hundreds of other orphans screaming in confusion. She gave us quite the scare the first week or so but ended up overcoming the sickness and allergic reaction to milk that was not her own mother’s. Chewie is always seen with her soul sister, Clarabelle, who she was rescued with.

Freyja came to us by word of mouth from a local farmer. She was orphaned and being advertised as a sacrificial animal. Surprisingly, many animals still fall victim to different ritualistic practices. We later found out that Freyja was rejected by her mother due to minor neurological issues. She is often seen with the pack of Great Pyrenees (because she truly believes she is a dog) or head butting her favorite fence post!

We were bearing witness at a livestock auction when we saw Chester in the back of an Amish buggy in a wooden box. He was just about to be tagged for slaughter when we intercepted. Occasionally, opportunities to save lives present themselves in the most unexpected ways. He was five days old when he was ripped from his mother and sent to slaughter. His days are filled with joy now and he continues to educate the public about the cruelties of the dairy industry.

We were called out to a farm about twin lambs who were born to a teenaged mother who was not producing enough milk to feed them. When we arrived, Peanut’s brother was already deceased, being eaten by vultures. We grabbed Peanut and began heading to the truck. Her mother screamed for her, not understanding why we were taking her only remaining baby. After over an hour of pleading with the farmer, he allowed us to purchase Peanut’s mother for a small fee. Peanut and her mother, Sandra, are inseparable to this day. Just because Sandra did not have enough milk for her babies did not mean she did not adore them.

The original spoiled bottle baby who kicked off a string of other spoiled bottle babies! Cale was our very first bottle baby in fact, along with his sister, Iliamna. They were both ripped from their mothers within hours of being born. We were told that these two were going to be raised as 4-H projects before being slaughtered if we did not take them. Cale is famously known for looking like Justin Timberlake and escaping from his pen by using Pepito the donkey as a stepping stool.

A concerned citizen contacted us on one of our social media outlets to let us know about a severely underweight pony in their area. Apparently, this pony was listed on an online site, advertised as a great children’s project. After speaking to authorities and fully understanding the entire process of legal removal of any animal in that particular state, we decided to act immediately and figure out the rest later because the pony was at risk of dying. We had a volunteer say that she wanted the pony for her niece. Britney was signed over to us and we got a health certificate to prove the only thing wrong with her was that she was not being fed. This piece of paper was very important when going forward with a neglect case against her previous owners. Britney is now married to a donkey named Pepito and lives the lavish lifestyle of a retired rescue princess.

For weeks, an escaped goat terrorized a neighborhood. Terrorized? More like charmed! Ron fled a slaughterhouse a few miles away from where he was captured. So many of the people who lived in the neighborhood threw him snacks every day and were sad to see him go – but relieved at the same time. Ron’s rescue took place within the same week as one of our neighbors passing away, so we decided to name him after him.

Mister Murdock was being used as a prop at a used car lot. He was kept in a wire cage on blazing hot pavement in extreme temperatures. One of our sister rescues took in a small piglet and a dog from the same place on the same day. Murdock is one of the sweetest, most gentle animals at our sanctuary.

Baia-Roe was our first rescue and brought in our very first donation. She was being sent to slaughter in Canada after having a very successful racing career. After reaching an age that she could no longer prove herself useful, she was disposed of. When we initially took Baia-Roe in, she was skin and bones and terrified of humans. After months of rehabilitation, she finally warmed up to being stroked and groomed. She is usually seen in the shade, napping. After years of hard work, she deserves it.

Phillis was found in a junkyard – along with a handful of other goats. She was bred her entire life, over and over. She came to us with a kid attached – who we ended up naming Black Phillip. We got a complete physical done on Phillis by our veterinarian as soon as she arrived. She was in horrible shape! Due to her already having a 4 1/2 month old kid at her side and the ultrasound showing nothing, our vet concluded that she was not pregnant. To our surprise, a few months after she was rescued, Phillis gave birth to a little boy who we named Eddie. Initially, we thought we were just saving Phillis but in actuality, we saved three precious lives. The investigation behind this particular case led to the previous owner being banned from ever owning goats within that particular town ever again.

Lottie was already tagged for slaughter when we rescued her. We were lucky to have spotted her in time. We sent her to a quarantine facility in Pennsylvania for a month, just to be sure she did not have an underlying, contagious illness. While at the quarantine facility, Lottie ended up meeting another Belgian mare named Sophie. Sophie was also rescued from slaughter by a woman who could not have a horse of her own but who also could not sit back and watch a beautiful creature get sent to her death. Lottie and Sophie ended up forming a deep bond and when the time came to bring Lottie home, we were asked to take Sophie too. After mentioning the situation to our supporters, we were urged by them all to take them both home – so we did.

Ernie was brought to Rancho Relaxo after two brave individuals rescued him from a terrible fate. He had contracted tendons when he arrived – which prevented him from keeping his two front legs straight and stable when he walked. After some splinting and physical therapy, no one could tell he ever had issues with his legs. Ernie is often seen grazing and napping with his brother from another mother, Malachi.

On a brisk November morning, we received multiple messages begging for us to intercept an emaciated senior horse from going to slaughter. He was set to run through an auction that kill buyers attend frequently. It did not take much for us to jump into action. One look at a picture of his decrepit body made us head straight to where he was being held – one hour away! We were able to get him under our care that very evening. Grandpa Pancakes is well into his 30’s! Yes, folks. 30’s! He does not have many teeth left, so his alfalfa pellets and grain have to be soaked every single day. He is worth every extra step needed to allow him to thrive. We love Grandpa Pancakes!

Loche was a joint rescue effort between the SPCA and our team here at Rancho Relaxo. He was removed from a neglect situation in Pennsylvania in 2016. He was severely underweight and very ill during the time of his intake. He also had a terrible heart murmur. He was under the care of a man who had no money or means to feed the excessive amount of animals he had on his property. After Loche arrived at Rancho Relaxo, he began to put on weight and, because of the exercise plan he was put on, he gained muscle and his heart murmur started fading within weeks! He is such a happy horse now. He finally has the love and proper care that he deserves.

Both Dwight and his best friend Jim were near victims of a religious-based practice which demands the abuse and slaughter of thousands upon thousands of chickens per year. Two dedicated individuals managed to successfully plead for Dwight and Jim to be freed to live out their lives peacefully. As soon as they were liberated, they were both transported to Rancho Relaxo and this is where they will live for the rest of their lives.

Orla and her sister, Jora, were surrendered to Rancho Relaxo by a dairy farmer who had a change of heart. Instead of bringing these two beautiful souls to auction to sell for their meat, she decided it would be best to retire them at a sanctuary and allow them to live out the rest of their lives in peace! Orla can be found grazing in the large goat pasture at our offsite property. Finally, her life is her own.

We received an urgent message about a goat who was dumped on the side of a busy highway. The individual who found this goat was so invested in his rescue that she agreed to drive him all the way to Quakertown Veterinary Clinic, which is where he remained for over a month. He had everything from the Orf virus, which left painful sores all over his ears and mouth, to parasites, to pneumonia! We are so happy that, after intense treatment, he is finally feeling better. Since Daulton was in quarantine all alone for over a month, he is extra clingy toward humans and other animals. He loves to love!

Potato was being exploited in a petting zoo during the Fall season before being sent to slaughter. One of our supporters made it her mission to liberate him. She did not want to see this calf sent to his death. She worked nonstop on getting the farmers to release Potato into a life of freedom here at Rancho Relaxo. Eventually, her persuasion worked! Potato now lives happily and safely with his best friend, Chester.

We were on a rescue mission to save a dying goat at a farm in New Jersey when we came across Dragonlord and his siblings. The farmer was scooping up four little piglets with a net and putting them into a box – one by one. We inquired about them as this was happening and the farmer stated that they were going to be on their way to auction that following morning. Not only were we able to rescue that dying goat – who ultimately passed away from numerous ailments of neglect – but we were also able to save Dragonlord and his siblings. They were all placed in the care of other sanctuaries. Dragonlord stayed with Rancho Relaxo! He is now known across the land as Dragonlord, Lord of the Cats.

Back in 2013, Miakoda’s mother was captured and herded into a holding pen. At the time of her enslavement, she was pregnant. Within a couple of months, she gave birth to Miakoda. Miakoda is a three strike mustang, which means she ran through multiple adoption events with no interest from anyone. She was said to be “ugly,” “too short” and “not flashy enough.” Three strike mustangs are the most at risk of being sent to slaughter due to there being no trial period after adopting them. All you have to do is pay $25 to file paper work and that horse becomes yours on the spot. You can do whatever you want with them. This is enticing for kill buyers. We want Miakoda’s story to make waves and educate the public about what is being done to America’s wild horses before it is too late. For more information, visit: https://wildhorseeducation.org/

Flick was born into the world as a runty triplet, too weak to squeeze between his much stronger siblings to nurse. A local farmer reached out to us to let us know about this fading little lamb. We drove over to the farm and scooped up Flick immediately. It was not long before he was suckling from the bottle and bouncing around the kitchen. Flick continues to grow stronger every single day!

Jora and her sister, Orla, were surrendered to Rancho Relaxo by a dairy farmer who had a change of heart. Instead of bringing these two beautiful souls to auction to sell for their meat, she decided it would be best to retire them at a sanctuary and allow them to live out the rest of their lives in peace! Jora can be found grazing in the large goat pasture at our offsite property. Finally, her life is her own.

We received a call about two goats running in and out of traffic. By the time we arrived on the scene, the goats were huddled together in a vacant building. There was garbage, a broken down tractor, empty gas cans, and more random items scattered about. The goats appeared to be abandoned. We took both Felisha and Craig back to Rancho Relaxo to get the proper care they deserved. Felisha had an old injury that healed poorly – which resulted in arthritis. We later found out that Felisha and her friend, Craig, were left with a friend of their previous owner’s. Unfortunately, that friend failed to provide these goats with proper care. Both Felisha and Craig were signed over to Rancho Relaxo – where they will remain happily and loved forever.

Jake came in last place in the only two races of his career. Upon realizing that racing was not for Jake, his owner sent him to slaughter. Luckily, he was rescued just in time! A woman who enjoyed rescuing and rehabbing thoroughbreds took a chance on him. Years later, Caitlin Cimini, President and Founder, took Jake in and bought the farm that Jake was living on at the time. That farm ultimately launched the fully functioning nonprofit organization that is now known as Rancho Relaxo. This all began thanks to a very slow racehorse.